Book in Japanese
"book" in Japanese, with the kanji that carry the meaning.
本
hon
4 Japanese kanji carry the meaning "book". The most common choice is shown first.
Which one to use
本 is a book, and also origin and the counter for long thin things. 巻 is a volume or scroll, and it counts volumes in a series. 冊 is the counter for books. 帳 is a notebook or ledger.
Top pick
book, present, main, origin, true, real, counter for long cylindrical things
Reading: hon
5 strokes · wisdom
Where it comes from
Shape of mark at base of tree (木). The root of things.
What it carries
Root, book, Japan. Represents authenticity in 'real' and 'genuine'.
Related kanji for "book"
book
kan · powerful, beautiful
Simplified form. Rolled shape.
book
satsu · wisdom
Shape of bound bamboo slips. Book.
book
chou · wisdom
Composed of cloth and long. Long cloth.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Japanese kanji for book?
The most common kanji for "book" is 本, read as hon. It means book, present, main. Related kanji: 巻 (book), 冊 (book), 帳 (book).
How many strokes does 本 have?
本 has 5 strokes.